Centrism is the new “alt-right”
Pretending to be logical while actually conservative isn’t an attractive look
Thanks to people like Jordan Peterson a new type of right minded folk has emerged, one where they were scared away by the blatant bigotry of the far right but also dislike the identity politics of the left. A group of people called “centrists”.
“Centrists” is in quotes because they aren’t true centrists willing to compromise to reach a resolution amiable to all parties. No it’s a brand of “logical” ideology that kowtows more to the right and constantly criticizes the left. It’s the brand of ideology for people who are conservative but want to be liked because they know the view of conservatives right now isn’t too favorable.
But what ends up happening is their right winged opinions peek from under their “logical” cap and they end up looking like fence-riders because they want the right winged ideal to prevail but also want to appeal to moderates, the type of people who can be more left winged than them. See fence-riding by definition is refusing to take a firm position because you directly benefit nor are negatively affected by not choosing a specific position on an issue.
I am not directly advocating that you need to take a firm stance on every issue, because by virtue you can’t because you can’t be fully informed on everything. But I do think that taking a stance on certain issues like Immigration or Police Accountability is completely needed and a centrist position would not work.
While I do believe there are some genuine people who like to see both sides of an issue, there is a big difference between taking a strong position either way and making consistent concessions to those on the right and demonizing the left every chance you get.
There is an appeal to wanting to keep the “peace” when it comes to politics, or always try to find a compromise when it comes to every major issue. I’m not saying there isn’t some more middle ground solutions to big issues. There may in fact be more centrist/moderate positions in things people may not typically see those types of positions. There is no need to belittle people who do.
But for God’s sake don’t pretend to be centrist and actually be of less marketable position. It is one thing to see “both sides” or say “both sides are the same”. It’s another to try to reach a middle ground on issues where you know you are on an off center position and then attack any opinion left of yours. It’s unattractive.
